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Fiji

Fiji

Summary

Exercise normal safety precautions in Fiji. Use common sense and look out for suspicious behaviour, as you would in Australia. Monitor the media and other sources for changes to local travelling conditions.

Cyclone season is November to April. Check information on cyclones, including links to local meteorological services and advice on what to do in a cyclone. See
Natural disasters

The only hyperbaric (decompression) chamber in Fiji is undergoing long-term maintenance. Dive well within safety limits and ensure your travel insurance covers diving and evacuation costs. See Health

Driving at night can be dangerous because of insufficient street lighting, stray animals and poor quality roads. Exercise caution. See Local travel

Expatriates and tourists have been the victim of violent crime, including sexual assault. Be vigilant. See Safety and security

Entry and exit

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Australian Government cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

Visas

Australians don't need a visa to travel to Fiji for tourism. Visitor visas for stays of less than four months are issued on arrival, provided you have a return ticket and confirmation of accommodation.

You may require a visa for other purposes. Visa and other entry and exit conditions (such as currency, customs and quarantine regulations) can change at short notice. Contact the nearest
Embassy, High Commission or Consulate of Fiji for up-to-date information.

Other formalities

Passport

Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months from the date you intend to return to Australia. Carry copies of a recent passport photo with you in case you need a replacement passport while overseas.

Your passport is a valuable document and attractive to criminals who may try to use your identity to commit crimes. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, you must notify the Australian Government as soon as possible.

Money

Australian dollars can be readily exchanged for local currency, the Fiji dollar (FJD). Declare amounts in excess of FJD 5,000 (or equivalent) on arrival, and amounts in excess of FJD 10,000 (or equivalent) on departure.

Safety and security

Crime

Robbery, theft, violent assault, including sexual assault, and home invasions occur in Fiji. Most crime is opportunistic. Incidents occur more frequently in urban areas and at night. Expatriates and tourists have been victims.

Be particularly careful in downtown Suva at night. Be aware of your surroundings. More information:
Partying safely

Road travel

Driver's licence

Carry your driver's licence with you at all times. You’ll need a valid International Driving Permit to rent a vehicle. Check requirements for motorcycle licences as driving without the correct licences can affect your insurance.

Taxis

Taxis are of variable quality. Only use licensed taxis; they have a yellow registration plate.

Public transport

Not all minibuses are licensed by the Land Transport Authority (LTA). As with taxis, those with yellow number plates have been approved by the LTA. Unlicensed minibuses may not be insured.

Sea travel

Before boarding inter-island or other vessels, check the operators' credentials and safety equipment in advance and ensure your travel insurance policy covers your planned activities. Do not travel on any overloaded vessel.

Laws

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling, especially for an extended stay.

If arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our
Consular services charter. But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

Court proceedings can be lengthy. The Australian Government can't influence the time it takes. The police and military retain extensive powers of detention, arrest and search. There are limitations on judicial redress for decisions made by authorities.

Drug laws

Possession of any quantity of illicit drugs may result in a prison sentence.

Health

Travel insurance

Take out comprehensive travel insurance before you depart to cover overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation.

Remember, regardless of how healthy and fit you are, if you cannot afford travel insurance, you cannot afford to travel. The Australian Government will not pay for your medical expenses overseas or medical evacuation costs. This can be very expensive and cost you many thousands of dollars upfront.

In recent years, a number of Australians have been evacuated from cruise ships to Lautoka and Suva for hospitalisation. Many are evacuated as a result of medical incidents arising from pre-existing conditions. Ensure that you declare any pre-existing conditions to your insurer.

Confirm:

what circumstances and activities are and aren't covered under your policy, particularly if you're visiting on a cruise

Physical and mental health

Consider your physical and mental health before travelling, especially if you have an existing medical condition.

At least eight weeks before you depart, see your doctor or travel clinic for a basic health check-up, and to discuss your travel plans and implications for your health.

Get vaccinated before you travel.

Medication

Take prescription medicine with you so you remain in good health. Always carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating what the medicine is, your dosage and that it's for personal use only.

Not all medications available over the counter or by prescription in Australia are available in other countries. Some may be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor. You could be arrested or have your medicine confiscated if you carry restricted medication or don't have correct documentation. This includes countries where you're only transiting and don't leave the airport, as well as your final destination.

Before you leave Australia check if your medication is legal in each country you are travelling to.

Medical facilities

The standard of medical facilities in Fiji is not as high as in Australia. Public hospitals and medical facilities are generally not as well-equipped as hospitals in Australia for services, specialist equipment (including neo-natal), diagnostics and pharmaceuticals. Many regional hospitals provide only basic services. Rescue and emergency services are not as comprehensive as they are in Australia.

Hotels and resorts rely on public health facilities during medical emergencies.

Before admitting patients, hospitals usually require:

guarantee of payment

confirmation of medical insurance

an up-front deposit for services.

For serious illness or accident, medical evacuation to Australia is usually necessary. Costs for evacuation are high. Ensure that your travel insurance covers medical evacuation.

Fiji's only hyperbaric (decompression) chamber, located at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital in Suva, is undergoing long-term maintenance. Dive well within safety limits and ensure you have travel and health insurance that includes coverage for diving and evacuation costs.

Health risks

Meningococcal disease

On 21 March 2018, the Fiji Ministry of Health and Medical Services
declared an outbreak of meningococcal disease. According to the WHO, meningococcal can be highly fatal. Symptoms include high fever, sensitivity to light or nausea. Seek urgent medical advice if symptoms persist

Water-borne, food-borne and other infectious diseases

Water-borne, food-borne and other infectious diseases (including typhoid, hepatitis, leptospirosis, tuberculosis, measles and mumps) are common, with more serious outbreaks occurring from time to time.

To minimise the risk of food poisoning or water-borne disease:

boil drinking water or use bottled water

avoid ice cubes

avoid raw and undercooked food

seek medical advice if you have a fever or are suffering from diarrhoea.

Seafood toxins

Be aware that illness caused by naturally occurring seafood toxins such as ciguatera, scombroid (histamine fish poisoning) and toxins in shellfish can be a hazard. Seek urgent medical attention if you suspect poisoning.